I’m LGBT – can I call you?

Our helpline is available for (self-defining) women and girls, including those with complex gender identities which include ‘woman’, and those who experience oppression as women. Self-definition is at the sole discretion of the individual in question.

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Testimonials

She was kind and caring and dealt with my daughter and I with compassion.

I feel as though I am much more in control of my emotions. I do not owe anything to my rapist, he is irrelevant and not worth any of my time.

I was really impressed with the support and kindness I experienced from the ISVA service. It gave me confidence to start dealing with the situation. It's a great service.

[My ISVA helped me with] understanding that how I felt was rational and my experiences were real.

[It helped] being able to share my life story and understand how it's changed me in a nice environment, and having someone who listened and helped me understand.

[It helped] having a supportive counsellor. Feeling listened to and believed.

It was good to be surrounded by women who could relate to how I felt.

I valued the gentle, non-pressuring environment. I felt safe and like I finally had someone who doesn't judge, laugh or tell anyone else. It has really boosted my trust and strength.

[It helped] to have someone listen and believe what I say.

[My counsellor] was an incredible listener and gave me confidence for everyday life. Understanding the emotions surrounding rape was also useful.

[I valued] somebody taking time to help me.

I had no idea what to expect and I was very nervous but soon realised that it was okay and I did not need to worry.

Every victim and every victim supporter needs to be given the opportunity to attend one of these groups. They are absolutely invaluable and an essential part of the therapeutic journey to recovery and surviving an assault.

I was very happy with the support I received. It was just the right amount of understanding without feeling patronised.

[In my counselling sessions] I didn't just talk about the "rape". I managed to get other issues out in the open.

You are wonderful, keep existing!

It was nice for me to have someone to talk to who could not just listen but give advice as well. I also was really happy that I learnt more about myself through these sessions.

I feel more confident in talking about my problems instead of hiding them.

[My ISVA] didn’t judge and was always there for me when she said she would be.

The one to one support, [my ISVA] was fantastic and very proactive.

[I valued] having the support from a really nice counsellor. I felt safe and the help was amazing with coping strategies.

[My ISVA] helped me all the way through the fight for justice, she is awesome - thanks to her I am still sane!

Absolutely can't fault [my ISVA]. She's been completely brilliant. If there was a stronger agree option, that is where I'd've ticked.

[Counselling] has helped me feel a lot more confident in speaking about my problems. I feel more in control of my decisions and understand I can make them.

I only received counselling, but that was what I wanted and needed.

[My ISVA] wasn’t pushy. She asked regularly if I needed anything and if everything was going okay but she left me to it and if I needed support I knew she was there.

[Counselling] gave me the language to talk about my assault and the motivation to do so.

[Because of the counselling] I understand myself and my emotions better.